June Round-up

My birthday month

Dear Reader,

Welcome to my monthly catch-up.

This is where I give you an overview of what’s been going on this month and highlight any particular projects that I think will be of interest.

I will also include a favourite sketchbook spread, flowers that I see springing up on the Lizard, a comment on the weather and any thoughts on the season and at the end share with you what’s coming up for June.

June Stats

Wildflowers spotted: Hedge Bedstraw, Lady’s Bedstraw, Great Burnet, Heath Spotted Orchid, Poppies, Dyer’s Greenweed, Clovers, Thistles, Evening Primrose

Weather: We experienced a mini heat-wave! 3 days of warm, humid conditions alongside some cooler, windy days.

This month I have mostly been: Sketching, leading workshops, exhibiting work, celebrating birthdays and having evening picnics.

Beautiful Poppies

Open Studios, workshops and exhibitions

Over the last month I participated for the second time in Open Studios Cornwall at Lowenek where Pippa Alston hosted myself and Fiona in her beautiful converted barn studio.

I ran a wildflower workshop and loved chatting with all the folk who came to visit. You can read a more in depth analysis here.

During the week I also visited fellow illustrator

Kriksis

at her exhibition at Colour Coast Canvas Gallery and also led a private sketch walk along the cliffs at Mullion Cove, looking at value and capturing the island stacks and dramatic seascapes.

Final work created

Mid June Pippa and I ran our second creative course at Lowenek, leading folk in a 2 day immersive program of sketching on location and working in clay. 

Sketching during Pippa’s session

The participants produced some wonderful sketchbook drawings which inspired their final clay pieces. And we look forward to seeing them fired.

My corner at Roskorwell

I hung my originals at Roskorwell for their Summer season opening and you can find a mix of prints, cards and zines on display alongside several other talented artists and craftsmen.

If you fancy sketching on location why not join me on Friday July 19th at Roskorwell where we will be spending the afternoon creating sketchbooks, drawing in the fields and drinking tea. Find all the details here.

You can also find my work for sale online, and at the following places on the Lizard peninsula:

A Long Sea Breeze, Mullion Cove

Tregullas Farm, Lizard Village

YouTube

Here are what the last couple of months looks like in video format. I also share about an upcoming opportunity for July.

Substack interview and tutorial with Flora and Forage writer

Nina Veteto

You may remember in last month’s round-up that I mentioned I would be talking to Nina, long-time forager, explorer, plant lover & art maker living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Nina generously introduced me to her audience and we had the most interesting chat about my journey so far. For our paid supporters we also hosted a draw along session where I share how I draw flowers. The post is now live if you haven’t seen it yet and can be watched here.

Favourite Sketchbook Page

There were so many opportunities to sketch over the month it’s been hard to pick just one to share. So I’ve chosen the sketch I did on my birthday where we visited Kestle Barton’s latest photography exhibition and I sketched the gardens and the Red River singers gave a mini performance. (Watch my Youtube video to hear them singing). The photography exhibition features black and white portraits of the farmers around the Lizard Peninsula.

Thanks for your support

I just wanted to take a moment to say a big thank you to all of you who have chosen to support me here on substack either through a monthly or annual subscription. 

It’s really encouraging and has spurred me on to continue to create and write here about having a sketchbook habit and I hope inspires you in yours. I plan to start putting together a couple of books that will talk about my sketchbook journey and your support will be greatly beneficial in creating these.

In this month's process and play I'll be sharing about how I use greens in the landscape, giving you a sketchbook tour, swatching time and sharing how I sketch with a mix of materials.

If you’ve been struggling with capturing greens in the landscape this may be just what you’re looking for.

Coming up for July on Substack

Here’s what I’ll be writing / sharing with you on Substack this month (P for paid and F for free)

Process and Play video-sketching with greens P

Sketchbook pages for June P

Explore and Draw podcast Ep.16 P

Sketchbook Surgery no.7 P

July Roundup F

You can upgrade to paid to support my work at anytime and access the growing library of posts.

Hope this newsletter find you well,